Winslow frustrated with Browns coaching staff - Page 2

tk13 · 09-18-2006, 10:37 PM

http://www.cleveland.com/sportsflash...ist=brownsnews

Frustrated Winslow wants Browns to use him more
9/18/2006, 5:02 p.m. ET
By TOM WITHERS
The Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Kellen Winslow didn't let any passes slip through his hands on Sunday in Cincinnati. On Monday, he dropped a bomb.

Frustrated and confused at not being on the field during some key third-downs in a 34-17 loss to the Bengals, Winslow claimed he should have been a bigger part of Cleveland's game plan and blamed Browns coaches for a lack of imagination on offense.

"Some of the coaches might be holding us back a little bit," Winslow said. "We have nothing to lose. I don't mean to try and go behind their backs or whatever, but we're 0-2, we have nothing to lose, let's go.

"Let's air it out. Let's run the ball. Let's make plays. Let's be exciting."

Winslow, who finished with four catches for 42 yards, didn't identify any coaches, but the tight end's pointed comments appear to be directed at second-year offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon, whose play calling has come under fire.

Winslow said he has spoken to Carthon about not being included in certain passing packages, and can't figure out why the Browns aren't keeping him in for all of them.

"The Giants run the same system as we do," Winslow said. "The Cowboys run the same system as we do, (Jason) Witten and (Jeremy) Shockey are on the field on third down, and I just don't understand why I'm not on the field sometimes. ... It's very frustrating. We're losing and I'm not on the field. I just don't get it."

Winslow's critical comments came as the Browns were assessing their second shoddy performance in a row while awaiting MRI results on cornerback Gary Baxter (pectoral muscle) and running back Reuben Droughns (shoulder).

Against the Bengals, the Browns were victimized by dropped passes by wide receiver Braylon Edwards, two interceptions and a supposedly improved defense that failed to slow quarterback Carson Palmer and Cincinnati's offense.

The Bengals racked up 27 first downs, 160 yards rushing and another 321 in the air.

Before Winslow matter-of-factly gave his opinion on what's ailing the Browns, Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel said the team would "cut back" on assignments for certain players this week in hopes of getting better consistency from them.

"Part of my job is to try to figure out what we can do to be successful," Crennel said. "I feel like if I cut back and limit some of the stuff that we are trying to get done, that might help us. It might not be the total answer, but it might help us be a little more consistent and figure out the problems on game day."

Cutting back is not something Winslow wants any part of. His solution to Cleveland's problems is very simple: Get him the ball.

"We have to do a better job of getting the ball in our playmaker's hands," he said. "Basically that's it and we've got to execute, and when the ball comes we've got to make a play. I think we're being a little too conservative right now and we just need to unleash it. Why wait? It was a division game and we're 0-2, so there's nothing to lose. ... I'm a competitor. I want the ball. Everyone wants the ball."

Winslow was playing just his second game after missing nearly two full seasons with serious leg injuries. The 2004 first-round pick, who was nearly killed in a motorcycle accident last year, returned as confident as ever, and his assuredness received a big boost when he caught eight passes and a touchdown in Week 1.

But on Sunday, the Browns inexplicably took him out for several passing situations. On a third-and-8 in the third quarter with the Browns trailing 17-3, Winslow was replaced, and as he ran from the huddle to the sideline, he raised his arms to his sides to show his puzzlement.

Winslow said he spoke with Crennel about not being used more.

"He said he'll take care of it," Winslow said, "so I'm pretty sure it's going to be taken care of."

Winslow was asked if he expected his role will change.

"Yeah," he said. "It has to, if we want to win. We need our playmakers on the field and I'm just a playmaker. I just want to make plays and win."

09-18-2006, 10:37 PM	Topic Starter
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $-1687500	Winslow frustrated with Browns coaching staff http://www.cleveland.com/sportsflash...ist=brownsnews Frustrated Winslow wants Browns to use him more 9/18/2006, 5:02 p.m. ET By TOM WITHERS The Associated Press BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Kellen Winslow didn't let any passes slip through his hands on Sunday in Cincinnati. On Monday, he dropped a bomb. Frustrated and confused at not being on the field during some key third-downs in a 34-17 loss to the Bengals, Winslow claimed he should have been a bigger part of Cleveland's game plan and blamed Browns coaches for a lack of imagination on offense. "Some of the coaches might be holding us back a little bit," Winslow said. "We have nothing to lose. I don't mean to try and go behind their backs or whatever, but we're 0-2, we have nothing to lose, let's go. "Let's air it out. Let's run the ball. Let's make plays. Let's be exciting." Winslow, who finished with four catches for 42 yards, didn't identify any coaches, but the tight end's pointed comments appear to be directed at second-year offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon, whose play calling has come under fire. Winslow said he has spoken to Carthon about not being included in certain passing packages, and can't figure out why the Browns aren't keeping him in for all of them. "The Giants run the same system as we do," Winslow said. "The Cowboys run the same system as we do, (Jason) Witten and (Jeremy) Shockey are on the field on third down, and I just don't understand why I'm not on the field sometimes. ... It's very frustrating. We're losing and I'm not on the field. I just don't get it." Winslow's critical comments came as the Browns were assessing their second shoddy performance in a row while awaiting MRI results on cornerback Gary Baxter (pectoral muscle) and running back Reuben Droughns (shoulder). Against the Bengals, the Browns were victimized by dropped passes by wide receiver Braylon Edwards, two interceptions and a supposedly improved defense that failed to slow quarterback Carson Palmer and Cincinnati's offense. The Bengals racked up 27 first downs, 160 yards rushing and another 321 in the air. Before Winslow matter-of-factly gave his opinion on what's ailing the Browns, Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel said the team would "cut back" on assignments for certain players this week in hopes of getting better consistency from them. "Part of my job is to try to figure out what we can do to be successful," Crennel said. "I feel like if I cut back and limit some of the stuff that we are trying to get done, that might help us. It might not be the total answer, but it might help us be a little more consistent and figure out the problems on game day." Cutting back is not something Winslow wants any part of. His solution to Cleveland's problems is very simple: Get him the ball. "We have to do a better job of getting the ball in our playmaker's hands," he said. "Basically that's it and we've got to execute, and when the ball comes we've got to make a play. I think we're being a little too conservative right now and we just need to unleash it. Why wait? It was a division game and we're 0-2, so there's nothing to lose. ... I'm a competitor. I want the ball. Everyone wants the ball." Winslow was playing just his second game after missing nearly two full seasons with serious leg injuries. The 2004 first-round pick, who was nearly killed in a motorcycle accident last year, returned as confident as ever, and his assuredness received a big boost when he caught eight passes and a touchdown in Week 1. But on Sunday, the Browns inexplicably took him out for several passing situations. On a third-and-8 in the third quarter with the Browns trailing 17-3, Winslow was replaced, and as he ran from the huddle to the sideline, he raised his arms to his sides to show his puzzlement. Winslow said he spoke with Crennel about not being used more. "He said he'll take care of it," Winslow said, "so I'm pretty sure it's going to be taken care of." Winslow was asked if he expected his role will change. "Yeah," he said. "It has to, if we want to win. We need our playmakers on the field and I'm just a playmaker. I just want to make plays and win."
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